Stockholms UFO-Nytt - 2002 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: 2/2002
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Date: 2002

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt provides an update on the Stockholm UFO Association's activities and recent UFO-related information. It features the organization's program for the autumn of 2002, details on ongoing investigations, and reports of sightings from Sweden.

Autumn Program 2002

The cover prominently announces the "Höstens program 2002" (Autumn's Program 2002). The program includes three main events:

• September 21: An excursion ('Utflykt') to Enköping to see rock carvings.
• October 30: A video night ('Video').
• December 4: A lecture/discussion ('Föredrag/diskussion').

The full autumn program is stated to be on the last page.

Editorial and Greetings

A section titled "HEJ!" (Hello!) from Inga-Lill welcomes the readers to the autumn season. She notes the pleasant summer and introduces the upcoming UFO autumn program, highlighting the excursion to Enköping, the video night, and a lecture. She also mentions that significant articles about UFO phenomena have appeared in Expressen and Svenska Dagbladet, which are reprinted under the "PRESSKLIPP" (Press Clippings) section. Inga-Lill shares her personal UFO-watching experience, stating she has spent 108 evenings and a total of 466 hours on vigils, with only a few sightings not attributable to car headlights. She humorously calculates this as nearly 12 weeks of a 40-hour work week.

Table of Contents

The issue includes the following articles:

• Salemfallet (The Salem Case) - Page 4
• Värmlandsprojektet (The Värmland Project) - Page 5
• Föredragskväll med spännande ämnen (Lecture Evening with Exciting Topics) - Page 6
• Stockholmsrapporter (Stockholm Reports) - Page 7
• Frågesport (Quiz) - Page 8
• Sifferkrysset (Number Crossword) - Page 9
• Pressklipp (Press Clippings) - Page 10

Salemfallet (The Salem Case)

Leif Persson investigates an older Stockholm case from 1978, which was initially reported to the Rapportcentralen by Hans Anrell. Anrell, then 24 years old with his 4-year-old son, reported seeing a large, disc-shaped object described as a "tire" with luminous windows while driving on the E4 highway near Salem Centrum on January 20, 1978. The object was estimated to be 100 meters wide and 30 meters high, at an altitude of 100-400 meters. Anrell's son also saw the object. The report mentions that Barbro Magnusson at the Rapportcentralen contacted Sundsvall and received information about two other observations from January 21, 1978, one in Södertälje and one in Falköping. The Södertälje report concerned a satellite sighting, and the Falköping report described a man photographing a disc-shaped object. However, the dates and descriptions do not align with the Salem case, suggesting they are unrelated. The article questions why, given the busy highway traffic at the time, no other witnesses reported seeing the object. Andreas Ohlsson was asked to check press clippings for explanations, but local newspaper archives for Salem and Södertälje were only available on microfilm at Stockholm libraries. The case remains unresolved.

Värmlandsprojektet (The Värmland Project)

Conny Ljung writes about the Värmland Project, an investigation led by UFO-Sverige's chairman Clas Svahn. The project, which took place during week 27, focused on investigating numerous UFO cases in the Värmland region and identifying new ones. The team was based in Sunne and Charlottenberg, utilizing the Rapportcentralen. They conducted door-to-door inquiries and interviewed people in the wilderness. Värmland has a history of many UFO observations, leading the military to deploy resources under the code name "Dakapo" in the 1970s to search for mysterious aircraft, particularly at night or in poor weather. The project involved interviewing people who had been part of these past military efforts. The work was described as demanding, with long evenings. The collected material is extensive and will be compiled, with some findings possibly presented in UFO-Aktuellt. The article notes that some cases are strong due to multiple witnesses and tangible evidence. It recounts an incident where a person found dead in the woods, with an unknown crashed craft nearby, which was later determined to be a suicide and a weather probe. Another case involved a man in black emerging from a bog, possibly related to drug smuggling via the former DDR embassy in Oslo. The author also shares an anecdote about interviewing an elderly man in Lysvik who remembered the "ghost rocket" era of the 1940s, and it turned out the author and the man had lived only 500 meters apart in Kungsängen, Stockholm.

Föredragskväll med spännande ämnen (Lecture Evening with Exciting Topics)

Anders Palm, a freelance journalist who covered the Apollo 11 launch, gave a lecture. He described the astronauts' expressions as filled with joy and excitement, despite the immense journey ahead. Palm's career shifted from space exploration coverage when public interest waned in the early 1970s. He then explored topics such as diseases, animals, nature, deep-sea mysteries, and UFOs. His lecture focused on two main areas: "den mystiska profilen" (the mysterious profile), where he aims to uncover unusual information about famous people, and "Religionshistoria" (History of Religions).

Under "Religionshistoria," Palm touched upon the missing years in Jesus's life, noting the lack of information outside the Bible. He mentioned a myth describing Jesus as a ship's carpenter who experienced a shipwreck off England. He also discussed the Manichaean religion, an ancient, nearly extinct faith from the Mediterranean region, described as a more ascetic form of Christianity that emphasized peace, love, and respect for nature. The role of women was also more prominent in Manichaeism. Palm presented a miniature Bible from this era, measuring 3.4 x 4.5 cm, with letters less than a millimeter high, highlighting the difficulty of producing such a text even with modern technology and speculating on its purpose as a response to persecution.

Palm also shared the story of Lars Magnus Ericsson, who started a business in 1876 and developed it into a major company involved in telephone manufacturing and export, eventually employing 1000 people by 1900. After leaving his company in 1901, he bought a farm and cultivated potatoes. He died in 1926.

The lecture was followed by an "Inga-Lill lottery" and refreshments.

Stockholmsrapporter (Stockholm Reports)

This section presents UFO sightings reported in the Stockholm area. It includes reports from the latter half of 2001 and newly submitted reports for 2001 and 2002.

2001 Reports:

• January 30: In Tyresö, a couple observed an object resembling a star moving up and down and in small circles, possibly Sirius.
• February 7: In Skärholmen, a woman saw three triangular, diffuse lights high in the sky, moving slowly and resembling flashlights, possibly UFO balloons.
• May 8: In Gröndal, a man and his wife saw a light streak on the sky, which turned out to be an airplane's condensation trail.

2002 Reports:

• January: In Lidingö, a person observed up to 11 bright light points in a formation resembling a "string of pearls."
• February 15: In Hallunda, a woman saw a brightly luminous cloud that moved rapidly downwards, with something protruding from it.
• March 10 (afternoon): In Bredäng, two witnesses saw a large, burning object descending, accompanied by a smaller object and a white "star."
• March 10 (time unknown): In central Stockholm, a man observed a pearl-white lamp moving in an arc, described as planet-sized.
• March 12 (10 PM): In central Stockholm, a spherical object with a glowing core and concentric orange and green rings was observed.
• March 12 (same evening): In Farsta, a woman saw two parallel, basketball-sized lights moving at high speed in a westerly direction.
• March 12 (same day): On Värmdö, a bright projectile was seen flying across the sky and disappearing behind a forest.
• May 5 (3 AM): In Solna, a witness reported seeing a light that seemed to be "hiding," causing fear.

Frågesport (Quiz)

The magazine includes a quiz testing general knowledge related to UFOs and astronomy. It presents multiple-choice questions with options, and the first letter of the correct answer forms two words. The questions cover topics such as geological time periods, the origin of the "flying saucer" craze, UFO monuments, early UFO reports in Swedish newspapers, spacecraft names, aircraft, constellations, star types, planets, Apollo missions, bird species, and the use of "tefat" (saucers).

Sifferkrysset (Number Crossword)

A number crossword puzzle is presented, where each number corresponds to a letter. The solution to the crossword is submitted by October 15, 2002, to Inga-Lill Wallin. A winner will receive a lottery ticket.

Pressklipp (Press Clippings)

This section is indicated on page 10 with the title "Jakten på Oförklarliga observationer" (The Hunt for Unexplained Observations), suggesting it contains reprinted newspaper articles related to UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, investigations, and related topics within Sweden, particularly the Stockholm area. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and reporting on sightings, investigations, and historical cases, while also engaging readers through quizzes and puzzles. There is an emphasis on documenting and analyzing UFO reports, as seen in the "Stockholmsrapporter" and the detailed investigation of the Salem case. The magazine also aims to inform members about the organization's activities and promote UFO awareness.

This issue of Pressklipp, published by Svenska Dagbladet on Monday, June 24, 2002, features a cover story titled "300 UFO hunters gather to investigate two hot tips." The magazine delves into UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and ghost stories across Sweden.

UFO Investigations and Sightings

The main focus is on the upcoming meeting of 300 UFO enthusiasts in Sundsvall, organized by UFO-Sverige, to examine two recent reports. One involves a green 'airplane' seen by a 79-year-old woman and her daughter in Hedemora, Sweden, which reportedly followed their car before ascending vertically. The other case concerns white orbs observed overtaking a plane in Vänersborg, Sweden, captured on video by a man filming a meteor shower in August 1997. Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sverige and a journalist, expresses his passion for explaining mysteries, stating, "I love mysteries, but I love explaining mysteries even more." He also recounts a personal sighting of three flying crosses with his wife, Anneli.

The magazine also revisits well-known UFO cases with photographic evidence:

• McMinnville, USA, May 11, 1950: A photograph taken by farmer Paul Trent shows a disc-shaped object. The negatives have been extensively studied and not proven to be a hoax.
• Värnamo, Sweden, March 21, 1974: A 15-year-old boy, Christer Sundström, photographed a dark object he initially mistook for a bird.
• Tchad, June 30, 1993: French scientists filming a solar eclipse captured an unknown object estimated to be 200 meters in size, 15 kilometers away.
• Arendal, Norway, November 1981: Several bright orbs were observed in Hessdalen, an area known for numerous unidentified aerial phenomena.

Debunking and Natural Explanations

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to debunking common UFO sightings and providing natural explanations. The article "This is not UFOs" showcases several examples:

• BLUFF (Hoax): Two boys in Horn, Sweden, submitted a photo of a thrown metal lid, which was exposed as a hoax.
• MOLN (Clouds): Lenticular clouds over the Andes in 1966 are noted as resembling shapes in known "UFO" photos.
• HÄGRING (Mirage): A phenomenon in Bolivia, mistaken for a landed UFO, was identified as a cactus-covered island.
• KONDENS FRÅN FLYG (Contrails from Aircraft): Contrails from high-altitude planes are a frequent cause of reports, as seen in a photo over Halmstad in December 2000.
• BLUFF (Hoax): A fake UFO was created by cutting out a disc shape and pasting it onto a window.
• RAKETUPPSKJUTNING (Rocket Launch): A phenomenon over Petrozavodsk, Russia, on September 20, 1977, described as jellyfish-like, was likely related to a rocket launch.
• LJUSREFLEX (Light Reflection): Reflections in airplane windows, as seen in a film from a solar eclipse expedition in Norway in 1954, can be mistaken for UFOs.

The Martebo Light: A Persistent Mystery

The article "A headless body hovering over a grave, transparent ladies moving in the night..." explores the Martebo light on Gotland, Sweden. This phenomenon has been reported for nearly a century, with thousands visiting the site. The light is described as a mysterious, pulsating glow that moves along a gravel road. While some attribute it to the ghost of Knut Stare, a former landowner, researchers like Inga-Lill Wallin, who has spent hundreds of hours studying the light, are more skeptical. Wallin suggests that about 95% of sightings can be explained by car headlights, especially on the long, straight road. However, she admits that the remaining 5% remain unexplained. The article also touches upon theories of ball lightning and electromagnetic fields, referencing research by Michael Persinger, who suggests that such fields can induce hallucinations and perceptions of paranormal activity.

Ghost Stories and Local Folklore

Beyond UFOs, the magazine features a section titled "Ghost tips for the whole country," detailing various reported hauntings and paranormal occurrences across Sweden:

• Pajala Cemetery, Norrbotten: Unexplained noises from a grave attributed to a sorcerer and his son.
• Stockholm Castle: Sightings of a white lady and a grey man, often preceding a royal death.
• Klara Church, Stockholm: A black-clad nun seen wandering at night.
• Engsö Castle, southeast of Västerås: The ghost of Brita Bååt is said to roam the castle, which also exhibits a ghost exhibition.
• Lindenborgsjön, Karlshamn: Mysterious footprints of a child that disappear mid-path, and unexplained shaking of objects.
• Glimmingehus, southwest of Simrishamn: Reports of a malevolent dog and three transparent ladies from the 1700s.
• Bondtorp, Västergötland: The headless body of Jonas Falk, executed for robbery in the mid-1800s, is said to hover over his grave.
• Kastlösa Rectory, Öland: Rhythmic banging on doors, walls, and windows, particularly on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Lake Vättern: Mysterious mirages of unknown cities on the opposite shore and sightings of a water nymph, with a warning that speaking of her can cause a boat to sink.

Research on Deception

Another article, "Liars are best at convincing," discusses research on deception. Findings from three years of psychological research at the University of Gothenburg challenge the common assumption in the legal system that consistent witness testimonies are more reliable. The research suggests that liars may be better at sticking to their initial story, while truthful individuals, whose memories naturally evolve, might appear less consistent. The study involved experiments with mock crimes and interviews, and a survey of police officers, prosecutors, and judges revealed that about nine out of ten professionals rely on changes in testimony to detect falsehoods, contradicting the research findings.

Stockholm UFO Association Program

The issue concludes with the autumn program for the Stockholm UFO Association for 2002, including an excursion to see rock carvings in Enköping on September 21, a video night featuring UFO films on October 30, and a discussion evening on interesting UFO cases on December 4.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, folklore, and investigative journalism. There's a clear effort to present both purported evidence of the paranormal (UFOs, ghosts) and rational explanations, often highlighting skepticism and scientific inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the possibility of the unknown while also seeking logical explanations for reported events. The inclusion of research on deception suggests an interest in the psychological aspects of witness testimony and belief in the extraordinary.